Frequently asked questions
Questions before you sit down.
Our co-founders are all involved in some way and believe this is suitable for either owner operators or a mix of hands-on and executive, manager owners. You’ll represent the brand in your community, and we hope owners stay active participants even if they hire a manager to oversee day-to-day.
Yes. We believe some owners will operate multiple studio locations, and we offer discounts on initial franchise fees for owners who commit up front to more than one studio.
Approximately 1,000 to 1,500 square feet with adequate parking and drive-by traffic. We have specific site criteria to help you evaluate real estate that would be a good fit for your location.
We opened pretty quickly (two weeks!) as demand for lessons kept growing. We believe many franchisees will be able to fit out their retail space and open in 3 to 4 months — though this varies with how quickly you find a spot, the condition of the space, and how fast you complete pre-opening and training.
Staffing needs are quite flexible for you and your small team of instructors. We typically have 1 to 2 people in the studio for lessons during the day; larger groups and pre-booked tournaments are staffed to the number of participants.
Startup funding includes the initial franchise fee and other estimated costs such as third-party professional fees, insurance, equipment, furniture, initial marketing and three months of working capital.
We’re able to share our Financial Performance Representation — the Item 19 in our Franchise Disclosure Document — which highlights affiliate performance and history. It’s a useful tool for evaluating the revenue potential of your individual business.
More about the game & studio
Ideally, yes — passionate owners who love the game tend to help build the strongest communities. That said, it isn’t required of you, but your studio manager and teachers absolutely need to be experienced mahjong teachers.
We only teach American mahjong — no other styles.
Our teaching philosophy makes it easy to teach and easy to learn!
They’re shorthand for mahjong’s three main suits: Bams (bamboo tiles), Dots (circle tiles), and Craks (character tiles) — the building blocks of nearly every hand.
An ideal studio has the capacity for 8 tables.
We’ll be rolling out membership options in the future.
Yes — retail is a significant part of the strategy and its own revenue stream.
That’s part of what makes what we offer so special. We know the right mix of classes to keep people coming in and engaged.
Absolutely!
Main Line has a double meaning for us. Yes, it’s home — and every feeling that home gives you. But it’s also your main line on the National Mahjong League card — your go-to line. Your favorite.